Aston Villa can reach the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup for the third time in 10 years when they host a depleted Liverpool on Tuesday night.
The Villans are one of the most successful clubs in this competition, winning it five times and reaching a further three finals, including in 2010 when they were defeated 2-1 by Manchester United.
Liverpool have lifted this trophy on eight occasions, more than any other team, but will have their work cut out here with their regular first-team players in Qatar for the Club World Cup.
Considering the youthful lineup of the away side, it is little surprise to see Liverpool out at 6/1 (7.0) with bet365 to move into the semi-finals with victory in 90 minutes at Villa Park.
The hosts are just 7/20 (1.35) to maintain their impressive home record with a fourth win in their last six games in all competitions in front of their own fans.
Liverpool needed penalties in the last round after a 5-5 draw in normal time against Arsenal and another stalemate is 5/1 (6.0).
Only Curtis Jones and Neco Williams from the youth setup have travelled to Qatar and so the likes of Harvey Elliott, Ki-Jana Hoever, Caoimhin Kelleher and Herbie Kane should all start. Rhian Brewster is a doubt due to injury.
Dean Smith is likely to play a rotated side with Premier League survival taking priority, so there could be opportunities for Jonathan Kodjia, Jota, and Neil Taylor.
It is usually around this time of the competition that Premier League sides begin to take it seriously, but Liverpool’s participation in the Club World Cup will make it difficult for the Reds to advance.
The Villans should be able to take advantage of that and even with Smith set to rest several of their regular starters, the hosts are unlikely to have too much trouble against a team with very little experience on this stage.
Although Villa should have more than enough to get past a young Reds side, they have managed just one clean sheet in their last 14 games and Liverpool’s players will be out to make their mark.
With that in mind, the 7/5 (2.40) quote on Smith’s men to win and both teams to score looks the best bet for this Carabao Cup clash on Tuesday night.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.